HOW TO WIN FRIENDS Philadelphia taxi, Uber Black drivers threaten convention boycott

Posted on 03/30/2016 | About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Taxi, limo and Uber Black drivers are threatening to boycott the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this summer unless lawmakers address Lyft and UberX services that have been operating illegally in the city since 2014.

The Philadelphia Limousine Association and two taxi groups on Monday said in a statement that they would refuse to pick people up during the convention July 25-28 if the city doesn't crack down on UberX and Lyft.

Cab drivers blocked traffic near City Hall in protest of the ride-sharing services in December and February. Uber Black operates legally in the city with a limousine license.A spokesman for Mayor Jim Kenney says he met with the authors of the statement and is calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation to regulate the ride-sharing services.

Uber said in a statement that it was proud to serve Philadelphia “especially during major events” but “It's unfortunate that these groups have decided to put their own interests above the needs of the city.”